Pursuant to Local General Rule 2, the Court adopts the following procedures for attorney applications for admission to practice before this Court, and for the handling of allegations of unprofessional or improper conduct by attorneys.

1. Definitions – The following definitions shall apply to the attorney admission application process:
   
   1. "Discipline" means an order entered against an attorney by the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, a similar disciplinary authority of another state, or a state or federal court, revoking or suspending an attorney’s license or admission before a court to practice law, placing an attorney on probation or inactive status, requiring restitution, or a transfer to inactive status in lieu of discipline.
   2. "Sanction" means any judicial finding of misconduct, including but not limited to a finding of civil or criminal contempt, regardless of whether a monetary assessment was made.
   3. "Chief Judge" means the Chief Judge or another district judge designated to perform the Chief Judge’s functions under Local General Rule 2.1.
   4. "Practice in this Court" means, in connection with an action or proceeding pending in this Court, to appear in, commence, conduct, prosecute, or defend the action or proceeding; appear in open court; sign a paper; participate in a pretrial conference; represent a client at a deposition; counsel a client in the action or proceeding for compensation; or otherwise practice in this Court or before an officer of this Court.
   5. "State" means a state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
   6. "Serious crime" means:
      1. a felony; or
      2. a misdemeanor, if a necessary element of which, as determined by the statutory or common law definition of the crime in the jurisdiction of the conviction, involves interference with the administration of justice, false swearing, misrepresentation, fraud, willful failure to file income tax returns, willful failure to pay income tax, deceit, bribery, extortion, misappropriation, theft, or an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation of another to commit a serious crime.
2. Procedure for Admission
   
   1. An applicant for admission to the bar of this Court shall pay the fee established by the Court and complete the application form. Application instructions can be found on the Court’s website.
   2. A sponsor must sign a statement supporting the application for admission.  The statement may be found on the Court’s website.  A sponsor may be a member of the bar of this Court or, for applicants residing in another state, a judge of a court of record of that state, or a federal judge in any district.  The Chief Judge may waive the sponsorship requirement for recent law school graduates.
   3. If an applicant has been subject to discipline or sanction, as defined by these procedures, the application must be accompanied by a copy of the entire disciplinary record, including complaints, answers, hearing transcripts and orders entered in the respective proceeding.
   4. If an applicant has been convicted of a serious crime, as defined by these procedures, the application must be accompanied by a copy of the judgment of conviction, and the applicant must provide information concerning sentencing and the status of any appeal.
3. Effect of Prior Discipline, Sanction, or Conviction – If the applicant has been subject to prior discipline, sanction or conviction for a serious crime, as defined by these procedures, the Chief Judge shall make an independent determination as to whether the applicant is qualified to be entrusted with professional matters and to aid in the administration of justice as an attorney and officer of the Court.  The Chief Judge may grant or deny the application, or the Chief Judge may grant it subject to conditions.
4. Appointment of a Three-Judge Panel
   
   1. The Chief Judge may refer any application for admission to a three-judge panel for decision.  The Chief Judge shall appoint the judicial officers to serve on this panel.  A panel may grant or deny the application for admission, or it may grant it subject to conditions.  A decision of the majority of the three-judge panel shall be final and binding.
   2. An applicant dissatisfied with the decision of the Chief Judge regarding an application for admission may, within 28 days of the decision, file a petition for a hearing before a three-judge panel.  The Chief Judge shall appoint the judicial officers to serve on this panel.  A decision of the majority of the three-judge panel shall be final and binding.
   3. The Chief Judge may, pursuant to Local General Rule 2.3(d), refer any matter involving allegations of unprofessional or improper conduct by an admitted attorney to a three-judge panel for decision.  The Chief Judge shall appoint the judicial officers to serve on this panel.  A decision of the majority of the three-judge panel shall be final and binding.
   4. A three-judge panel constituted under sections (1) through (3) above may, at its discretion, direct an applicant or admitted attorney to provide additional information or documentation.  The panel may also conduct a hearing on the record and question the applicant under oath.
5. Certificate of Admission – If the Chief Judge or three-judge panel grants the application for admission, the Clerk shall issue a certificate of admission.
6. Non-compliance with Conditions of Admission – The Chief Judge shall retain authority to discipline an attorney who fails to complete the conditions of admission or who fails to comply with the terms of probation as imposed by a three-judge panel, and such discipline may include suspension or disbarment.